Council bans anti-yob Mosquito buzzer 'to protect children's human rights'

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Amid concerns that the Mosquito infringes children's human rights, Kent County Council said it is one of the first authorities in the country to prohibit the gadget in its buildings.

An estimated 3,500 of the devices - which emit a high-pitched sound - are in use throughout England in shopping centres, parks and shops since their introduction in January 2006.

Kent County Council has banned Mosquito devices, which emit a high-pitched sound only audible to under-25s, from its buildings

The sound causes discomfort to young ears, although over-25s cannot hear it.

The Association of Convenience Stores, which represents 33,000 local shops, has said the Mosquito can be useful in tackling anti-social behaviour.

But critics claim that it demonises young people.

Councillors in Kent said they approved the Mosquito ban after debating the issue with their youth members.

They felt there was a contradiction between using the device and their duty to represent young people.

They now plan to lobby for a nationwide ban.

Community services Cabinet member Mike Hill said: 'These devices are abhorrent and give completely the wrong message to our young people.'

The Children's Commissioner for England, Professor Sir Al Aynsley-Green, launched a 'Buzz Off' campaign earlier this year against the Mosquito, saying it created a divide between young and old.